Gemstone Spotlight: Rare Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds are rare and exquisite gemstones that have recently become a highly coveted item, and a must-have for any diamond lover or collector. With the recent closure of Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, we thought we’d shed some light on just how special these dazzling beauties are!


What Makes a Pink Diamond Pink?

No-one knows for sure what causes the pink colour. Unlike other diamonds in the fancy colour family, pink diamonds don’t contain the impurities that they derive their colour from.

Various theories have been presented regarding the origin of the diamond’s unique hue. Scientists speculate that the enormous pressure undergone by pink diamonds during formation is a likely cause, though others believe it could be related to a seismic shock that impacted the stone’s molecular structure.

Colour Variations

Not all pink diamonds are created equal! There is great variation in the shade and intensity of each pink diamond, ranging from soft rose-tones to vibrant raspberry-hues. However, due to the fact that pink diamonds are significantly rarer than their white counterparts, even the lighter shades are still highly valuable and sought-after. The most expensive pink diamonds are often of a pure pink colour, as well as those that exhibit a purplish hue. 

Image Source: Argyle Pink Diamonds

Pink Diamond Mining

Pink diamonds were first discovered in India’s Kollur Mine, and have since been found in parts of Brazil, Siberia, Russia, South Africa, Canada and Tanzania. While India and Brazil are still known to occasionally produce these rare diamonds, it is Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine that has been home to the largest quantity of pink diamonds in history.

Responsible for the production of 90 percent of the world's pink diamonds, the Argyle Mine in Western Australia’s Kimberley region recently closed down in late 2020, prompting a significant change in the diamond market. The mine was known to be home to pink diamonds with unmatched vibrancy and depth of colour, with which no other mine in the world could compete.

Naturally, this has resulted in much uncertainty surrounding the future of pink diamond mining, with the value and demand for pink diamonds set to increase even further. Class A has been lucky enough to obtain some limited edition packs prior to the mine’s closure, which are available for purchase in-store! 

Right now is the perfect time to consider purchasing one of these rare and magnificent beauties for yourself. Book an appointment with us today to discuss designing a bespoke piece featuring a pink diamond for you, to be in your family for generations to come.

 

Notable Pink Diamonds

  • Jennifer Lopez's Engagement Ring

It comes as no surprise that when Ben Affleck proposed to Jennifer Lopez with this absolute dazzler back in 2002, it was responsible for a huge increase in demand for coloured diamonds thereafter. Her radiant-cut 6.10 carat fancy intense pink diamond may no longer be sitting on her finger, but it certainly lives on in our dreams!

 Image Source: Vera Anderson / Getty Images

 

  • Mariah Carey's Engagement Ring
With a collection of all things sparkly large enough to (almost) rival Liz Taylor’s, Mariah Carey is another celebrity who once donned a rather impressive pink diamond when she was engaged to Nick Cave back in 2008. The ring featured an emerald-cut pink diamond between two white diamond side stones, surrounded by 58 additional pave-set pink diamonds (just in case it wasn’t dazzling enough!). 
 Image Source: Pinterest

 

  • The Noor-ul-Ain Tiara 
The Noor-ul-Ain Diamond Tiara showcases one of the largest pink diamonds in the world. The tiara features an impressive 60-carat pink diamond at its centre, given to Empress Farah Diba during her marriage to Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last shah of Iran. 

Image Source: Wikimedia
 

  • The Pink Star
In April 2017, Sotheby’s auctioned The Pink Star diamond for US $71,200,000 - a world record for any gemstone. The Pink Star, a 59.6-carat oval mixed-cut pink diamond, and the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded, was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999. The 132.5 carat rough diamond was meticulously cut and polished over a period of two years and transformed into this stunning gemstone.

Image Source: Getty

 

It’s hard to say what the future of pink diamond mining holds, but we can be sure that their beauty, value, demand and appeal is endless! Get in touch with us today to discuss securing a pink diamond for yourself.

 

Banner Image Source: Rio Tinto